10 years ago Diego became a conscientious objector and therefore could not carry out military service, which is mandatory in Colombia. Since then, Diego has campaigned to raise awareness amongst young people about alternatives to participating in the war in Colombia and the need to seek peaceful solutions to conflict.

Today, Diego is leading a campaign with ACOOC against the military card being a requirement to gaining professional qualifications and becoming a public servant in Colombia.

conscience uses real examples of peacebuilding to campaign for the improvement and development of the government’s inter-departmental Conflict Pool. Non-violent peacebuilding is more effective in the long term, better value and is a form of security we can pay for through our taxes with a clear conscience. The Conflict Pool funds conflict prevention, stabilisation and peacekeeping activities to reduce the number of people around the world whose lives are affected by violent conflict.